Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Gangotri Glacier

Retreat of Gangotri Glacier
The terminus of the Gangotri Glacier is said to resemble a cow's mouth, and the place is called Goumukh or Gaumukh (gou, cow + mukh, face). 

Goumukh, which is about 18 km (11 miles) from the town of Gangotri, is the precise source of the Bhagirathi river, an important tributary of the Ganga.  

Goumukh is situated near the base of Shivling; in between lies the Tapovan meadow.

The Gangotri glacier is a traditional Hindu pilgrimage site. Devout Hindus consider bathing in the icy waters near Gangotri town to be a holy ritual, and many make the trek to Goumukh and Tapovan.

In recent times, it has been pointed out that the retreat of the glacier has quickened significantly.
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